Racing Drones 101 & Our Top Drone Racing Models

The vast majority of information surrounding drones is based around their commercial and recreational uses. There has been a massive influx of material relating to aerial videography and photography for both categories. Some believe that this increased consumption of the consumer drone is the impetus driving drone development.

Jumping forward in the evolution of the industry we come to the era of VR drone racing and the machines that make it possible–racing drones. Manufacturers and engineers are now pushing the boundaries of what we thought drones could do, not only in terms of performance, but also in potential expansion into the sports world. This could mean even more advances and more fun for drone enthusiasts worldwide

The following is a breakdown of racing drones from a variety of classes, with drones for every skill-level, and those in-between.

DJI Spark

The DJ1 Spark has features that set it apart from other racing drones. One of the more prominent highlights this drone offers is a Quick Launch, meaning it can be launched directly from the pilot’s hand. With FaceAware, a facial recognition software, the Spark will lift off from your palm and begin to hover within seconds of powering on.

Controls

The controls for this model are simple and user-friendly. With built-in gesture recognition, you can use hand gestures to prompt some of the major features, such as the camera, without a remote or mobile device.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro

The Phantom series is one of the leading and most notable lines of consumer drones, heralded by famous racers and amateurs alike. The Phantom 4 heads this series, and for good reason. This is a professional device and requires an advanced level of expertise to operate, although some believe its engineering and autonomy allow for first-time-pilots to use this model effectively.

This model comes with everything you need to fly. It’s known for excellent flight performance and aerial photography as well as racing.

Eachin Racer 250 FPV

The Eachin Racer 250 FPV may be the best value of all racing drones currently on the current market. This drone does come with a video transmission system and is ready to fly straight from the box. The transmitter comes with its own LCD screen that streams flight data directly to the pilot. It also supports multi-channel transmission systems within a respectable range.

Needs:

You will need a smart phone or tablet capable of supporting the Eachin application in order to view and download FPV.

Features and Highlights:

Arris X-Speed 250B

The engineers developed the Arris X-Speed as a sturdy model, built for resilience in various conditions. The Arris supports a carbon/glass chassis that is agile and nimble, making this drone exceedingly crash resistant.

Features and Highlights:

Walkera Runner 250

This drone separates itself from the others in this list by being an intermediate-level racing drone. Not quite for beginners, but as difficult to navigate or assemble as other models. In fact, no assembly is required with the Walkera Runner 250.

Features and Highlights:

Lumenier QAV250

This drone’s appeal comes mostly from advanced racing enthusiasts. This is not a drone built for beginners. The chassis itself is impressive with its carbon fiber build. This is not an RTF (ready-to-fly) drone but it does come from the manufacturer with the boards needed to distribute power to all electronic systems including video and flight systems.

Needs:

Transmitter

Brushless motors

Camera

Aftermarket video system

Propellers

Features and Highlights:

LHI FPV

This model will require some minor assembly to get it up and running, along with some extra parts and assembly knowledge. This is a great starting point for those who would like to learn to build more complex drones.

Needs:

5v 1500mAh Battery (recommended)

VR goggles, smart phone, tablet to livestream FPV

Battery charger

Transmitter

Features and Highlights:

GB 190 FPV

Like many of those mentioned above, the GB 190 FBV is not a beginner racing drone. I repeat, this is not one of the best kid drone units. That being said, the assembly is less extensive and time-consuming as other drones of a similar caliber. This is a machine built for competitive-minded racers. The hardware is built so that it may be enhanced over time.

Needs:

8V 1800 mAh Battery (recommended)

Features and Highlights:

TBS Vendetta

The manufacturer of this drone is Team BlackSheep and they have created this drone based on the highest quality and durability standards. This model comes with a custom-made carbon fiber chassis that is agile enough for competition.

There are four Cobra CM2201 motors onboard which translates to extremely speed. TBS has engineered the Vendetta to adapt to each individual pilot’s needs. This makes customization on the users end fun and easy.

Features and Highlights:

Walkera F210

The difference between this model and the Walkera 250 is that the F210 gravitates more towards the professional division of the industry. This model, as suggested, should not be tampered with extensively as Walkera’s design was built specifically to be RTF. That is not to say that there is no customizability—personalization is great—it is simply recommended that the model not be definitively reengineered.

Features and Highlights:

Xciterc 15003950 FPV F210

This specific drone is a deemed ‘professional’ and it’s going to require a lot of upkeep. You’ll need a bit of drone knowhow to put it together and sustain its health. Yet, for those of you looking to understand drones and build one of the best racers on the market, then this is your unit.

Needs:

Transmitter

Battery charger

8V 1300mAh LiPo Battery (suggested)

Features and Highlights:

Immersion RC Vortex 285

This is a wonderful beginner racing drone. The RTF system that Immersion’s engineering group has designed integrates its FPV system and, like most others in this category, was built with a carbon fiber frame. This version will not have the same power as the 250, making it somewhat slower, but with some minor motor upgrades your Vortex 285 can achieve higher speeds.

Features and Highlights:

TBS Gemini

The builders at Team BlackSheep created this model as an RTF (ready-to-fly) machine. This specific model is a hexacopter drone and is regarded as a high-quality racing unit. Affordable, durable, and built to take the skies, TBS is famous for dominating the drone racing market with their hardware.

Features and Highlights:

Hubsan H501S X4 FPV

This drone is not necessarily categorized as a racing drone (it may be found under best toy drones). However, it is widely reviewed as a fantastic learning drone for pilots who have aspirations to race drones in the future. Given its capabilities and included VR goggles, the user may experience a more manageable simulation of what drone racing has to offer.

Hubsan, the manufacturer, is a leading producer of entry-level drones. This model is slightly less expensive, ready-to-fly, and can be used as an introductory level racing drone.

Features and Highlights:

Teal Drone (RTF)

The Teal Drone (RTF) is a fully assembled, ready-to fly racing drone. After extensive testing, this drone lives up to its promises.

This specific model can reach speeds of 90 mph directly from the box, while the mother board comes fully equipped for data processing, image recognition, and versatility. The Teal Drone RTF also includes an integrated 13 mega pixel camera that can record in 4k. In addition, this model is also capable of transmitting FPV at 720P, in HD, to a tablet, phone, and even an aftermarket headset.

Features and Highlights:

The Parrot Bebop 2

This model drone has been rated as a candidate for best small drone 2018. The Parrot Bebop 2 is a lightweight quadcopter with an effective flight range of up to 1.2 miles. It comes with a 3-axis digital stabilization system built into the design which allows the user to capture a smooth and stable video stream.

This model stands out amongst other quadcopters for its speed—it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. It makes for any easy introduction into the racing world and has well-stabilized, smooth controls.

Blade Inductrix FPV

The Blade Inductrix FBV is an RTF micro quadcopter. It’s notable for its size, pricing, and popularity. A beginner unit, anyone can enjoy flying around the Blade inductrix to get a feel for what drone technology offers. It’s no professional racing drone but it just might be the gateway that leads you to one.

Parrot AR Drone 2.0

Parrot is a trusted and well-known drone manufacturer. This AR drone is a midgrade, with extremely competitive pricing. Due to its battery system this drone can last up to 30 minute per charge. It’s also RTF and equipped to perform a variety of aerial maneuvers. Manufacturers recommend that beginners utilize the Parrot AR Drone 2.0 as a beginner drone—then graduate after they feel comfortable enough to dish out more money on a professional racing drone.

Features and Highlights:

WLtoys Q212G FPV

Wltoys has launched several new drones over the past year or so. The Q212G is an extremely small, RTF machine. The 6-axis gyroscopic system enables pilots to experience stable flight control and easy flying. Headless mode (flying without orientation) also helps orient direction—despite where the ‘front’ of the drone is facing.

Features and Highlights

Excellent FPV Livestreaming

Gyroscopic flight system (6 axis)

Drone quality matches the price

780P HD Camera

Ready to fly

Autonomous Features

Racing Drones

As you can tell, there’s a racing drone for everyone. From RTF models, kits that require technical knowhow to assemble, to drones that can reach speeds of over 90mph, there’s no shortage of versatility in the market. No matter what type of pilot you are (beginner, intermediate, experienced), there’s going to be a drone that complements your skillset and desires. For more great deals on racing drones, be sure to check out our list of Cyber Monday drones for sale.